Photography Preparation Checklist

As you prepare your property for a professional photography session, please consider walking through your house with this checklist. Look at your house like you are a potential buyer. What stands out to you? Do you have too many decorations or maybe not enough? Do you have too many personal items on display that will make it difficult for potential buyers to think and dream of your house being their future home? Is it obvious that you have pets? Take a look at the list below and see what is applicable to each room in your house. Click here to download the PDF version of this checklist.

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Exterior

Mow the lawn

Weed flower gardens

Remove any dead plants

Trim bushes, shrubs, hedges etc.

Hide trash cans and recycling bins

Put away garden hoses and lawn equipment

Put away outside toys

Remove cars from the driveway

Clean pool and pool area

Sweep driveway, walkways, decks, stairs and patios

​Clean and straighten outdoor furniture

Be sure all exterior lights are working for twilight photographs

General Interior

Dust and remove cobwebs

Vacuum carpets

Sweep hard surface flooring

Turn on every light and replace any burned out light bulbs

Clean windows

Clean curtains, blinds and other window treatments

Turn off all ceiling fans

Move any pets to an area of the house that will not be photographed

Hide any objects that show that you have pets (food and water dishes, crates, litter box, etc)

​Hide holiday and seasonal decorations

Hide personal photographs

Straighten artwork and other wall decorations

Bathrooms

Hide toilet brush, plunger and waste basket

Clear off all countertop space

Remove items from the back of the bathroom door

Remove hand towels or choose neutral colored towels that do not attract too much attention

Clear out shower items if the shower is to be photographed

Close toilet seat and remove seat cover if applicable

Bedrooms

Declutter night stands, dressers, bureaus, etc

​Remove items from the back of the bedroom door

Make the bed

Make sure the closets are neat and tidy, including the floor

Be sure that items stored under the bed are covered and out of sight

Hide any waste baskets

For safety reasons, remove children's names if they appear on anything in their room.

Hide extension cords and power cords

Hide personal photographs

Hide laundry basket

Office

Clear off desktop and other work surface areas

Hide extension cords and power cords

Hide the trash can or waste basket

Organize and put away any paperwork

Adjust books and items on bookshelves

Kitchen

Remove everything from the sinks

Hide trash can

Clear countertop surfaces including sponges, soap, utensils, etc

Hide as many countertop appliances as possible

Put away dish towels

Remove magnets, photographs, and papers from the refrigerator

Clear off the top of the refrigerator

Straighten table and chairs if their is an eat in area in the kitchen

Clean off the table or add place settings if there is an eat in area in the kitchen

Living Room

Straighten books, movies, CD's and other items on open bookshelves

Straighten and adjust couch and chair cushions

Hide remote controls

Place a fresh stack of wood in an open fireplace

Straighten any area rugs

Dining Room

Straighten table and chairs

Clear off table or add place settings

Basement / Garage

Clean and organize boxes and bins

Make sure that there is a clear path to the oil tank, furnace, boiler, water heater, water pump etc